Pakistan Launches New Strikes in Afghanistan Amid Escalating Tensions
Kabul, Afghanistan – Pakistan’s military conducted further airstrikes in Afghanistan on Sunday, targeting what it claims are militant facilities and “terrorist hideouts,” marking a continued escalation in hostilities between the two neighboring countries. The strikes come after Pakistan accused Afghanistan of launching drone attacks on its soil, including one targeting the military headquarters near Islamabad.
According to Pakistani security sources, Sunday’s operations “effectively destroyed technical support infrastructure and equipment storage” in Kandahar, a city that serves as the base for the Taliban administration’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada. Another strike reportedly targeted a tunnel used by both the Afghan Taliban and the Pakistani Taliban, known as the TTP, which Pakistan blames for recent attacks within its borders.
Residents of Kandahar reported hearing explosions and seeing aircraft flying over the city overnight. “Military planes flew over the mountain where there is a military facility, and an explosion followed,” one resident told AFP. “Flames could be seen.” Similar reports came from Spin Boldak, southeast of Kandahar, and the eastern border province of Khost, where clashes were reported Saturday night.
Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid acknowledged the strikes, claiming they caused damage to a drug rehabilitation center and an empty container in Kandahar. He disputed Pakistani claims about the targeted locations.
The escalating conflict began after Pakistan launched a military operation last month aimed at Islamist extremists it alleges are operating from Afghan territory. Islamabad accuses the Taliban government of harboring militants, a charge the Taliban vehemently denies.
On Saturday, Pakistan stated it had intercepted “drone attacks” launched from Afghanistan, including one targeting its military headquarters. President Asif Ali Zardari’s office condemned the attacks as crossing a “red line” and promised a response.
The United Nations mission in Afghanistan reported Friday that at least 75 civilians have been killed and 193 injured in clashes since February 26, highlighting the growing humanitarian impact of the conflict. The repeated clashes are also disrupting trade and displacing residents along the border.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides accusing the other of escalating tensions. Pakistan insists it does not target civilians, while the Taliban maintains it is not allowing its territory to be used for militancy. The ongoing conflict raises concerns about regional stability and the potential for further escalation.